Tri (lower alkoxy) benzene derivatives

Abstract

This invention relates to a tri(lower alkoxy)benzene derivative of the general formula (I), or its salt, optical isomer or solvate, ##STR1## wherein: R 1 , R 2 and R 3 : same or different and each represents a lower alkyl group; A: a group of the formula ##STR2## and R 4 and R 5 : same or different and each represents a lower alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group, provided that R 4 and R 5 may, taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, form a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidino group, a morpholino group, a thiomorpholino group, or a piperazinyl group optionally substituted by a lower alkyl group in 4-position; to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and to processes for their production. The compound of the invention is useful as value as a pulmonary-surfactant secretion promoting agent.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tri(lower alkoxy)benzene derivative represented by the general formula (I), or a salt, optical isomer or solvate thereof: ##STR31## wherein R 1 , R 2  and R 3 , which are the same or different, each represents a lower alkyl group; A represents a group of the formula ##STR32## and R 4  and R 5 , which are the same or different, each represents a lower alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group. 
     
     
       2. The compound as claimed in claim 1 which is a salt and/or an optically active compound. 
     
     
       3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising said tri(lower alkoxy)benzene derivative (I), salt, optical isomer or solvate of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, which is suitable for treating and preventing respiratory ailments. 
     
     
       5. A process for producing a tri(lower alkoxy)benzene derivative represented by the general formula (Ia): ##STR33## wherein R 1 , R 2  and R 3 , which are the same or different, each represents a lower alkyl group; R 4  and R 5 , which are the same or different, each represents a lower alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group, which comprises hydrolyzing a butyronitrile compound represented by the general formula (II): ##STR34## wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4  and R 5  are as defined above.